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ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2027
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Shanghai, China
Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM)
ITU Inter-regional Information Sessions on WRC-27 Preparation
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Geneva, Switzerland
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FAQ on ITU Radio Regulations
RR FAQ
FAQ on ITU Radio Regulations
RR FAQ
What are the Radio Regulations
The Radio Regulations (RR) are one of the instruments of the ITU, which contains a set of international rules on the use of spectrum and orbit for radiocommunications. The RR are ratified by governments and mandatory for application by all administrations.
How do the Radio Regulations work?
The Radio Regulations are the principal instrument of the international radio-regulatory arrangement, annexed to the ITU Convention. They define the rules to be applied in using the spectrum, as well as the rights and obligations resulting from this use. The international Radio Regulations are based on the use of two main concepts:
- Allocations of frequency blocks to defined radio services through the Table of Frequency Allocations, as contained in Article 5 of the RR. This concept generally provides common frequency allocations to mutually compatible services operating with similar technical characteristics in specific parts of the spectrum. It also provides stable planning environment for administrations, for equipment manufacturers and for users.
- The concept of voluntary or obligatory regulatory procedures (for coordination, notification and recording in the Master Register, resolving cases of harmful interference) those are adapted to the allocation structure.
Are we obliged to apply the Regulations?
Ratification of the ITU Convention by the governments of the ITU Member-States implies acceptance of the Radio Regulations.
Who can amend the Radio Regulations?
Only a World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) can amend the Radio Regulations.
What is the Rules of Procedure?
The Rules of procedure (RoPs) is a regulatory document which incorporates the results of meetings of the Radio Regulations Board (12 elected officials meeting 3 times per year). The RoPs complement the Radio Regulations providing clarification of particular provisions, which are difficult for practical application or may be interpreted differently. There are 3 main types of RoPs: rules on Radio Regulations and Regional Agreements, rules standardizing practices of the BR and rules defining RRB working methods. Draft RoPs are prepared by the BR, circulated through ITU administrations for comments and approved by the RRB. Some RoPs are transferred to the Radio Regulations at world radiocommunication conferences. RoP can be purchased or downloaded through the ITU web page
(https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-ROP/en).
Where can I find the latest version of the ITU Radio Regulations?
The latest version of the ITU Radio Regulations are available here
Get your copy of the ‘1906 Convention’
Commemorative
Edition 110 years RR
(1906 – 2016)
Get your copy of the ‘1906 Convention’
Commemorative
Edition 110 years RR
(1906 – 2016)
This is a commemorative reproduction of the first edition of the International Radio Telegraph Convention, issued on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the ITU Radio Regulations in 2016. The Convention recognized the importance of radio for the safety-of-life at sea and adopted a distinctive distress signal: SOS. It was signed in Berlin in 1906, at which time the Final Protocol, Service Regulations, and the Additional Agreement providing for obligatory intercommunication between ships without distinction as to the system used were also approved.
Digitized collection of all editions of the Radio Regulations
(1906 to present)
Photo gallery
Digitized collection of all editions of the Radio Regulations (1906 to present)
Radio Regulations
Year
Title
Publication Type
1932
base edition
1938
base edition
1976
update pages
1976
update pages
1982
update pages
1990
appendix
1990
update pages
Telegraph Regulations
Year
Title
Languages
1885
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1885 (includes an article on telephone)
1890
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1890 (includes an article on telephone)
1896
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1896 (includes an article on telephone)
1903
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1903 (includes an article on telephone)
1908
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1908 (includes an article on telephone)
1925
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1925 (includes an article on telephone)
1928
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1928 (includes an article on telephone)
In 1988, the Telephone Regulations were replaced by the International Telecommunication Regulations
Telephone Regulations
Année
Titre
Languages
1885
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1885 (includes an article on telephone)
1890
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1890 (includes an article on telephone)
1896
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1896 (includes an article on telephone)
1903
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1903 (includes an article on telephone)
1908
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1908 (includes an article on telephone)
1925
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1925 (includes an article on telephone)
1928
International Service Regulations (Telegraph), edition of 1928 (includes an article on telephone)
In 1988, the Telephone Regulations were replaced by the International Telecommunication Regulations